Nestled in the Middle East, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan unfolds a tableau of timeless wonders with showstoppers like the Rose City of Petra, the iconic Dead Sea, the lunar landscape of Wadi Rum, and the Greco-Roman city of Jerash. Explore the diverse landscapes, architectural marvels, and historic sites with our comprehensive 10-day Jordan itinerary that takes you across deserts, atop mountains, deep down oceans, and into the heart of valleys.
Best time to visit scenic and beautiful places in Jordan
The best time to visit Jordan is in spring and autumn. The wildflowers bloom from March to May adding a dash of colour to crown jewels like Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea. While it’s a great time to be outdoors, autumn from September to November beckons travellers and divers to Aqaba and the Red Sea. Temperatures soar in the summer months from June to August while winters from December to February are wet and cold.
Mystical and magical – A 10-day Jordan itinerary
Day 1 and 2 – Exploring Amman, the Citadel and Jerash
Your tryst with Jordan begins with one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Asia – Amman. The capital city is an open-air museum with several archaeological wonders. You can sign up for any of the free heritage walking tours that include food and market tours in Downtown Amman and the Old Town. Don’t miss the Roman ruins, the amphitheatre and the ancient baths, and King Abdullah I Mosque. If you enjoy museums, then the Jordan Museum and the Royal Automobile Museum should be on your itinerary. End the tour on a colourful note at the bustling Rainbow Street and visit the art galleries or have a cup of Arabian coffee at one of the cafes.
Head to the walled Citadel, a UNESCO Heritage Site perched on one of the seven hills occupied since the Bronze Age. It is headlined by the remains of the Roman Temple of Hercules built in the 1st century with two giant pillars and a massive hand carved in stone. The exquisite Umayyad Palace is another monument that should not be missed. The crown jewel of the Jordan Archaeological Museum is the double-headed Ain Ghazal statue, believed to be one of the oldest human sculptures.
Start Day 2 early and head to Jerash, a time capsule of the Roman era located 50 km away. Explore the ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city with its massive oval-shaped Forum with 56 ionic columns. Enter through the imposing portals and you will find historic temples, theatres, arenas and arches scattered around 200 acres. Don’t miss the temple of Zeus, the Hadrian Arch built for the Emperor, the Hippodrome, the collonaded Cardo Maximus, the Vaulted Gallery and the Temple of Artemis among other fascinating archaeological marvels. Combine the visit to Jerash with the 12th-century Ajloun Castle.
Jordan itinerary day 3 – Visit Mount Nebo, Madaba, and Kerak Castle
Start early as it’s going to be a long and packed stay. Head to the sacral Mt Nebo, where, according to the Old Testament, Moses saw the Promised Land. Continue the Biblical journey towards Madaba, known for the fascinating Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. Head to the Greek Orthodox Basilica of St George for the well-preserved 6th-century Madaba Mosaic Map. On the floor of the Church, you will see a map with over two million pieces of a mosaic depicting mountains and valleys dotted with towns in Palestine and the Nile Delta. It also showcases Jerusalem as The Holy City believed to be one of the earliest extant representations of Byzantine Jerusalem.
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Drive through the spectacular canyon of Wadi Mujib, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Jordan, and also a haven for hikers. The Wadi Mujib Trail is not for the faint-hearted as you follow the rugged Siq and cross rivers and rapids to discover hidden waterfalls. However today, we continue towards the imposing Kerak Castle, the largest of the Crusader Castles, towering over the Wadi Mujib valley. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine passageways and eerie basement chambers before getting back on the road to the final destination of the day – the iconic Dead Sea.
Day 4 – Soaking in the magic of the Dead Sea
Welcome to a natural spa where the mineral-rich saline waters of the Dead Sea give you an incredible healing experience. Dubbed the Salt Sea and located 430 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea boasts over 30 percent salinity and is packed with 20 minerals. The most iconic experience is to float on the Dead Sea and apply the magical mud pack all over your body for about 20 minutes. You can also pamper yourself with a spa treatment at the resort you are staying in. While the Dead Sea is a sheer wellness experience, take some time to visit the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex and feast on the views from the observation deck.
Day 5 of Jordan itinerary – Dana Biosphere Reserve
Start day 5 of your Jordan itinerary early – the sweeping views will make it worth your while as you meander through spectacular landscapes of rugged sandstone cliffs and stark deserts that morph into verdant valleys and lush plateaus in the breathtaking Dana Biosphere Reserve. This hiker’s playground is known for two iconic treks – the 16 km Wadi Dana Trail and the 27 km Wadi Ghueweir Trail. But if you are here for only a day, head to the quaint medieval Dana Village and saunter through the short walking trails. The wildflowers add a tinge of colour around the stone cottages, and the birds come calling as the biodiversity hotspot is home to over 180 species of birds and 45 species of mammals besides 600 species of plants.
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Day 6 and 7 – Petra and Little Petra
Finally, the day everyone is waiting for – when you drive towards the most mysterious and staggeringly beautiful ancient capital of the Nabateans. Jordan is virtually synonymous with Petra and the 2000-year-old Rose City, hewn out of sandstone, does not disappoint with its dramatic setting as you trek through the Siq, losing yourself in the narrow fissures, gazing upon the incredible formations. Hike to the Treasury and the Monastery, discover the Royal Tombs, the Great Temple, the High Place of Sacrifice, and the Byzantine Church among other archaeological wonders. Seeing Petra Kitchens and the Street of Facades will make you stop and wonder. Take it slow as you wander around the caves where friendly Bedouins invite you for a cup of Arabian coffee. And if you thought it was stunning in the day, wait till you see Petra at night, lit by candles, adding a dash of magic to the mystical city.
Petra is not complete without a visit to Little Petra, another Nabataean site – a less crowded but equally magnificent microcosm of Petra. Trek through the Siq-al-Barid as you walk through the rock facade into the mountains that open into another incredible portal.
Jordan itinerary Day 8 – Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is like a picture postcard come alive. The romantic lunar landscape with colossal rock formations, rugged cliffs, and wild canyons has an ethereal vibe, while the sunsets here are to die for. The best way to experience Wadi Rum is to camp overnight under the stars with the Bedouins and listen to local tales while gorging on traditional food. The Valley of the Moon, made popular by Lawrence of Arabia, also beckons you for desert safaris, hikes, and walking trails.
Jordan itinerary days 9 and 10 – Aqaba and Red Sea
From the stark desert-scape of Wadi Run, we move to the azure seascape of Aqaba and the Red Sea. Head to the Aqaba Marine Park for diving and snorkelling. There are over 18 sites, including brilliantly hued coral gardens and shipwrecks, in this protected coastline for spotting hawksbill turtles and stingrays. You can also cruise on a glass bottom boat and see the rich marine life down under, boasting over 450 species of fish and 120 types of corals. Get the adrenalin pumping by indulging in water sports or lazing along the sandy beaches for fun in the sun. The port city also has a pulsating nightlife around the beaches – enjoy the last night of your Jordan itinerary in great spirits. Aqaba has an international airport – you can fly from here to your destination or take a flight to Amman and then connect to your international flight.
Best restaurants and local food to try in Jordan
The signature dish of Jordan is Mansaf, but you must also try Makloubeh and Zarb, besides falafel, hummus, and desserts like knafeh. Don’t miss the famous Arabic ice cream called Booza.
Jordan is a destination for foodies. Amman, its capital, is a culinary hotspot for everything from local street food to fine dining restaurants, cafes, bakeries, local pastries, sweets, and ice cream. Head to Sufra for traditional cuisine, housed in a villa on the popular Rainbow Street.
Explore our guide to the world’s most interesting cafes and restaurants.
Other popular restaurants include Jasmine House, Solaya, Hashem Restaurant, and the famous Fakhr-el-Din. Don’t miss the kebabs at Levant, the falafel at Falafel Al Quds, the dessert knafeh at Habibah Sweets and the Arabic ice cream at Bekdash.
Other recommended restaurants and bars outside Amman include Cave Bar, Sandstone Restaurant and Basin Restaurant in Petra, Rum Gate Restaurant in Wadi Rum, Artemis Restaurant in Jerash, Mirwas Café and Restaurant, and Captain’s and Suzana in Aqaba.
Luxury personified – Best hotels in Jordan
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Amman via Booking.com
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Amman via Agoda.com
A diverse range of premium luxury residences, boutique hotels, glamping tents, and friendly and traditional properties invite you to explore Jordan. Be it Amman, Petra, Dead Sea, or Aqaba, you will never find a dearth of five-star hotels that house some of the best fine dining restaurants and bars. Choose between Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels in Amman, Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea, Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, and Petra Marriott Hotel, among others. Luxury glamping options in Wadi Rum include Sun City Camp Wadi Rum, while you can stay in the Feynan Ecolodge in Dana Biosphere.
Book your stay at Kempinski Hotel Aqaba via Booking.com
Book your stay at Kempinski Hotel Aqaba via Agoda.com
Things to remember when travelling to Jordan
Visa
Travellers entering Jordan need a valid visa and can apply online through the government portal. You need to have a valid passport, photograph and travel documents to process the visa, which will be valid for three months. While Jordan also offers visas on arrival, it’s not a recommended option.
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Local commute
Buses are the main means of public transport in Jordan, be it within Amman or around the country. JEET buses in Jordan connect different cities and destinations but offer less frequent daily rides. Taxis like UBER and CAREEM are available in the big cities and can be used for airport transfers and local sightseeing. While most tourists prefer organised tours, you can also opt for car rentals in Jordan as the roads are very good.
How to reach Jordan
Queen Alia International Airport is 36 km from Downtown Amman while Amman Marka Airport is a civil unscheduled airport in the capital. The King Hussein International Airport is operational in Aqaba for those travelling to the Red Sea.
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(Feature Image Credit: Antonio Gravante/Shutterstock)
Related: Best Luxury Hotels In Jordan For A Lavish Getaway
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-How many days should I spend in Jordan?
A week to ten days is enough to explore Jordan.
-What are the must-visit destinations in Jordan?
Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jerash, Aqaba, Dead Sea and Red Sea are some of the must-visit destinations in Jordan.
-What should I pack for my trip to Jordan?
Pack a pair of good trekking shoes, scarves, sweaters, and light jackets to Jordan. Don’t forget to carry your swimwear for floating in the Dead Sea and snorkelling in the Red Sea. However, since it is a conservative city, carry clothes that cover your shoulders and legs as it’s expected to dress modestly, especially at religious sites.
-Do I need a visa to visit Jordan?
Travellers entering Jordan need a valid visa and can apply online through the government portal.
-What are the transportation options in Jordan?
Buses are the main means of public transport in Jordan, be it within Amman or around the country. There is a fleet of buses belonging to a transportation company called JEET, which connects to different cities. Taxis like UBER and CAREEM are available in the big cities and can be used for airport transfers and local sightseeing.
-Are there any safety precautions I should take in Jordan?
Beware of pickpockets and large crowds, don’t leave valuables including passports in the hotels, carry local currency in small amounts and don’t drive after sunsets. It’s also advisable to visit Petra only during official visiting hours. It is also recommended to read the travel advisory before planning a trip.
-What activities are available in Jordan besides sightseeing?
Trekking, walking tours, camping under the stars, snorkelling, and scuba diving are some of the activities in Ireland besides sightseeing.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi is passionate about everything that is local — from cultural traditions to art and architecture ..Read More
